The Secret of Plants in Calmness: FDA-Approved Medicines Inspired by Nature
Photo by Irene Ivantsova, Unsplash, published 14th September 2025
Anxiety, insomnia, and stress are among the most common problems of modern life. What may surprise you is that many of today’s medicines prescribed for these conditions have roots in nature.
For thousands of years, humans have turned to plants for peace of mind: a cup of chamomile tea for better sleep, lavender fragrance for relaxation, or valerian root to soothe the nerves. As chemistry and medicine advanced, scientists identified the active compounds in these plants. Some of these natural molecules later inspired the creation of modern medicines that are now officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This article takes a closer look at some key calming plants and the FDA-approved medicines they inspired.
1. Opium Poppy: From Ancient Tablets to Modern Pharmacies
The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is one of the oldest medicinal plants known to humankind. Sumerian tablets from around 3400 BC refer to it as the “plant of joy.” Ancient Egyptians used poppy extracts to ease pain and help with sleep, while Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Dioscorides also documented its calming effects.
From this plant, key alkaloids such as morphine and codeine were extracted, forming the foundation of modern pharmacology. These compounds not only relieve pain but also have strong sedative and anxiety-reducing properties. Semi-synthetic derivatives, including oxycodone and hydromorphone, are FDA-approved today and widely used in clinical practice.
2. Valerian: The Herbal Tea of Ancient Rome
The root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been known for nearly two thousand years. The Roman physician Dioscorides recommended it in the first century CE for insomnia. During the Middle Ages, Europeans called it the “all-heal of the nerves” and used it to calm the heart, reduce seizures, and promote sleep.
Today, valerian root is still popular as a dietary supplement, although not FDA-approved in that form. However, its active components, such as valerenic acid, inspired the design of modern anti-anxiety drugs. One such medicine is buspirone, a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that is FDA-approved and widely prescribed as a safe treatment for generalized anxiety.
3. Chamomile and Lavender: Aromas of Relaxation
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has an ancient history. Egyptians revered it as a sacred herb dedicated to the sun god and used it for fever, anxiety, and insomnia. Later, Greeks and Romans prepared calming teas from chamomile flowers.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) also goes back to Roman times. Romans added it to their baths to relieve stress and fatigue—the name “lavender” itself comes from the Latin lavare, meaning “to wash.” In Persian traditional medicine, lavender oil was praised for its calming and sleep-inducing properties.
Active compounds such as apigenin in chamomile and linalool in lavender act on brain receptors linked to relaxation. While these herbs are mainly used today as supplements or essential oils rather than FDA-approved drugs, the study of their effects has inspired the design of synthetic anti-anxiety medicines.
4. Rauwolfia: The Sacred Plant of India
Rauwolfia serpentina has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Healers prescribed its root for “madness,” insomnia, and even snake bites. In the 20th century, scientists isolated the alkaloid reserpine from this plant. Reserpine quickly became one of the first modern drugs to treat high blood pressure and reduce anxiety symptoms. It was approved by the FDA and widely used, although its use has declined today due to side effects. Still, its discovery played a historic role in psychiatry and pharmacology.
From Sumerian tablets and Egyptian temples to today’s pharmacies, humans have always turned to nature in search of calm. Plants such as poppy, valerian, chamomile, lavender, and rauwolfia not only provided relief in the past but also paved the way for modern FDA-approved medicines like morphine, buspirone, and reserpine.
These stories remind us that the future of pharmacology may still lie hidden in the natural world, waiting to inspire the next generation of safe and effective treatments for anxiety and stress.
Suggested References for Further Reading
Cragg GM, Newman DJ. “Natural products: A continuing source of novel drug leads.” Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013.
Atanasov AG, et al. “Discovery and resupply of pharmacologically active plant-derived natural products: A review.” Biotechnol Adv. 2021.
FDA Drugs Database: https://www.fda.gov/drugs
Kennedy DO, Wightman EL. “Herbal extracts and phytochemicals: plant secondary metabolites and the enhancement of human brain function.” Adv Nutr. 2011.
Mann J. Murder, Magic, and Medicine: The Remarkable Story of Plants and Drugs. Oxford University Press, 2000.
Farnsworth NR. “The role of ethnopharmacology in drug development.” Bioactive Compounds from Plants. 1990.